Salomon Sense Ride 5 for men: review and price

The Salomon Sense Ride 5 for men is a trail running shoe designed for training and racing on forest tracks, firm paths and moderately technical trails. It combines a relatively soft midsole with a secure fit and an outsole with 3.5 mm lugs. Its reference price was around €130.

It suits runners looking for one pair to cover regular mountain miles without focusing on extreme terrain. Its limitations emerge in deep mud, on wet rock and on very loose descents, where a more specialised shoe may provide more suitable traction.

Features and measurements behind its performance

The men’s version has a reference weight of 286 grams, while published laboratory tests recorded 291 grams. Weight can vary by size, and the figure places the shoe in the middle ground: it is neither an ultralight racing shoe nor an especially heavy option for mountain training.

The stated drop is 8 mm. This is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot, not a measure of cushioning. Laboratory testing recorded 27.2 mm under the heel and 18.5 mm under the forefoot, giving a measured drop of 8.7 mm. Both heights are below the respective averages of 33 and 25.8 mm for the shoes tested.

A lower profile brings the foot closer to the ground, although it leaves less material between the sole of the foot and uneven surfaces than many higher-stack models. Runners moving from a heavily cushioned road shoe may notice that difference particularly on long, rocky runs.

Cushioning: what Energy Foam brings

The midsole uses Energy Foam, replacing the Optivibe technology of the previous generation. The change steers the shoe towards a softer feel and longer outings without making it a maximum-cushioning model. It also includes Profeel Film, a layer designed to soften some of the pressure from stones.

Measured forefoot energy return was 60.2%, almost identical to the laboratory average of 59.8%. This test helps put the material’s response in context under specific conditions, but it cannot calculate how much effort an individual runner will save or predict race pace.

Longitudinal flexibility required 12.5 N in the test, compared with an average of 14.9 N. In practical terms, the shoe offered less resistance to bending in that measurement. It is useful for understanding the construction, although it does not by itself describe stability on a rock or when turning downhill.

Grip: firm tracks versus mud and rock

The All Terrain Contagrip outsole has a tread designed for a mix of common mountain surfaces. Its measured 3.5 mm lug depth supports varied use on firm dirt, gravel and dry trails without the prominent lugs found on a dedicated mud shoe.

That design is practical for a run that starts with a few minutes on pavement before reaching a forest track. In deep mud or very loose soil, however, the lugs have more limited penetration. Wet rock also calls for care: grip changes with the surface, slope and presence of water or dust.

On routes in Spain’s Valencian Community that combine dry tracks, trails and stone, the choice depends on how much technical ground the route actually contains. Underfoot protection helps with occasional irregularities, but it does not replace a more aggressive outsole when most of the route crosses steep slopes or broken ground.

Fit, laces and sizing

The upper is made from engineered mesh and uses SensiFit to support the midfoot. The Quicklace closure tightens using a pull tab, with the excess stored in the tongue. Together, they are designed to keep the foot in place when a trail calls for direction changes or downhill braking.

The fit feels relatively snug. For a wide foot, going up a size does not always solve a width problem: it can leave too much space at the front without removing pressure at the sides. When trying the shoe, check that the toes can move freely and that the heel does not slip when walking downhill.

For an online purchase, measure both feet while standing, from the heel to the longest toe, and use the larger measurement to consult Salomon’s official size chart. It is also worth checking the seller’s exchange terms: your usual size in another brand does not guarantee the same fit.

The padded collar and mesh give the upper structure, although the inside can feel warm on hot days. The standard version is not waterproof, so water can pass through the upper in wet grass or rain.

Which runners and distances suit it best

It is a reasonable option for people new to trail running and for experienced runners looking for a regular training shoe. It can handle easy runs, quicker outings and long races; there is no need to reserve it for one distance. Its design makes the most sense on routes that allow a continuous running rhythm.

It can also be used for an ultra, but distance alone does not determine the right choice. Expected time on feet, terrain difficulty and foot comfort all matter. A long, firm route places different demands on a shoe from a shorter race with loose rock and steep descents.

Body weight does not set a universal limit for this model either. A medium-weight or heavier runner may find enough cushioning and a good fit, while another may prefer a wider platform or more protection. For a gait requiring specific support, a secure fit is not the same as individualised correction.

Durability and points worth watching

The continuous outsole and outer structure are designed for repeated use, but there is no fixed replacement mileage. Wear depends on terrain, frequency of use and running style. Rounded lugs, damaged mesh or a visibly deformed midsole are more useful signs than an isolated mileage figure.

Some user comments report that the insole moves or folds, and problems with the inner heel lining have also been noted. The insole measured 3.6 mm thick in the laboratory, compared with an average of 4.6 mm; that describes its thickness but does not in itself prove it will deform.

If an insole moves, replacing it makes sense only when the new one fits without folds and does not alter the fit enough to create pressure. After a wet run, removing dirt and letting the shoes air-dry away from direct heat helps care for the materials.

Price, waterproof version and buying considerations

The standard version’s reference price was around €130. This is a historical figure, not a current offer: the available price can vary by size, colour and seller. Shipping costs and the option to exchange a pair that does not fit should also be considered when comparing prices.

There is a version with a GORE-TEX membrane for runners who prioritise water protection. The usual trade-off is a more enclosed feel on warm days; water entering above the collar can also remain inside. The membrane protects the foot, but it does not turn the outsole tread into one designed specifically for mud.

Before buying, distinguish the standard version from the waterproof one and confirm the size and return terms. For an older-generation model, a discount is worthwhile only if the available pair fits both the runner’s foot and their usual routes.

How it evolved from the Sense Ride 4

The most visible change from the Salomon Sense Ride 4 is in the midsole: the fifth edition leaves Optivibe behind and adopts Energy Foam. It also adds padding around the ankle and changes the outsole pattern, with shallower, more closely spaced lugs.

For runners familiar with the previous generation, the difference is more than cosmetic. The new construction leans further towards comfort on long routes, while the less aggressive tread may be less convincing on soft ground. Choosing between generations means weighing that change alongside the size and condition of the available pair.

How we put this review together: we have not tested these shoes. We wrote it by reading published lab tests, brand information and runners’ opinions.

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